Gourmet Meals on a Taco Bell Budget

Meat on Clearance?!?! Uhh...Heck Ya!

Before I became responsible for feeding a husband and two kids, the idea of buying anything from the Clearance section of the grocery store was cringe inducing. But now those "30%-50% off", "HAVE to be cooked or frozen that day" slabs of beef, chicken, pork, or whatever didn't sell that week, are my best friends.

If you are as much as a bargain junkie like me, it becomes quite the treasure hunt. But since you don't know what will be there on any particular day, planning meals ahead of time can get a little tricky. In my first ever "BLOG" I'll be sharing my finds with you and some ideas on what to do with your bargain beef or pork or whatever.

I am not a professional chef by any means, but I do love to cook almost as much as I like to eat. I love trying to turn ordinary meals extraordinary. And since we are definitely in a recession I want to share the bargain cooking and dining out ideas, tips, tricks I have so you and your family can have a Gourmet Meal on a Taco Bell Budget.

Caramelized Fajitas w/ Cheddar Jalapeno Tortillas

Usually you'll be able to find Fajitas (pre-cooked, marinated beef or chicken with onions & bell peppers) in the clearance meat section. Each package is about 1-2 servings. You can go with all beef, all chicken, or if hey only have one of each, go crazy and mix them together.

The "fresh" fajitas you find in the glass case of the meat section are actually pretty pricey. Relatively speaking it would be cheaper and easier to just go to Chili's and not have to cook.

BUT if you are married with two kids, even if you share one Fajita entree, you have to factor in the kids meals they decided not to eat, the tantrums they decided to throw instead, and the embarrassment from thinking that going out to eat with a toddler and a baby was a good idea. But hey, think of the money you saved from not being able to order that white chocolate molten lava cake you had your eye on since before you ordered. 

Or, on the rare occasion that you have a kid free "date night" and still share one Fajita entree, you have to factor in all the margaritas you drank from celebrating your freedom AND the white chocolate molten lava cake you didn't get to order last time.

So once I get my fajitas home, here is how I usually prepare the meal.

(I have to warn you, I'm not big on measuring so I'm going to try to approximate as much as possible)

Tip: I have a dry erase board on my fridge where I write whatever we are having for dinner. I try to come up with overly discriptive names for my meals. It ups the "gourmet" factor (Peach Glazed Pork Chops sounds alot more appetizing than pork chops with canned peaches thrown on top) AND you get the added benefit of everyone thinking that you slaved all day cooking (which might result in others offering to do dishes).

Caramelized Fajitas w/ Cheddar Jalapeno Tortilla

1-2 lbs Pre-cooked Fajita Mix

Olive Oil (or EVOO according to that one chick on TV)

1/2 stick butter

Mission Jalapeno cheddar tortillas (or plain whichever way you roll)

Spanish Rice to go in or to the side of your fajitas (you can use Rice a Roni, your own family recipe, or leftover rice from El Pollo Loco)

Whatever toppings you want: Shredded Cheese, Sour Cream, Salsa, etc...

1. In a non-stick frying pan or cast iron pan, pour in some olive oil (Just about enough to coat the bottom. Let heat on med heat for a couple minutes.

2. Add butter and let melt (MED HEAT! do not let the butter burn).

3. Add fajitas and raise temp to Med High Heat. Stir occasionally. Let cook until the meat is cooked and Onions and peppers are caramelized. (I usually prefer the beef since it caramelizes too and takes on a sweeter/crisp taste).

4. Serve and enjoy.

To make dinner fun, you can set up a "Build Your Own Fajita Table" not to be confused with the "Build your own Margarita Table."